The Supreme Court has said that necessary legal action has been taken over the disorderly incident during a session at the Barishal Additional Chief Metropolitan Court on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court said that on February 24, a group of lawyers created a ruckus inside the courtroom, misbehaving with the judge on duty. Video footage showed benches and other furniture being damaged, and aggressive behaviour towards the judge.
The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate adjourned the session and moved to a private room due to the hostile environment, severely disrupting normal court proceedings. The lawyers also staged protests inside and outside the court, demanding the removal of the judge.
The incident came to the notice of the Supreme Court, which said legal action has been taken. A double bench of the High Court Division issued a contempt of court rule on February 25. Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Court, Barisal, has filed a case under sections 4 and 5 of the Crimes Prejudicial to Law and Order (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002, and sections 186, 189, 190, 228, and 353 of the Penal Code, 1860. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take prompt action.
The Supreme Court urged all concerned to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and respect the law to protect the dignity and independence of the judiciary and ensure the smooth functioning of courts.
Meanwhile, a case was filed against 20 people naming 12 senior lawyers by Barishal’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court’s bench assistant Rajib Majumdar, said an official of the court.
Following the filing of the case, Barishal Bar Association President Linkon was arrested in the morning and subsequently sent to jail on charges of vandalism in the courtroom and contempt of court.
Al Mamun Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, said that the main accused in the case has been arrested. A drive is underway to arrest the remaining accused.
Hafiz Ahmed Bablu, Barishal's Assistant Public Prosecutor and Organizing Secretary of the District Jubo Dal, said that lawyers will not participate in court proceedings in Barishal for an indefinite period in protest against this arrest and the case.